Immigration and Border Community – Research Experience for Undergraduates
Call for Applications
Immigration Policy and Border Communities
National Science Foundation – Research Experience for Undergraduates
New Mexico State University and University of Texas-El Paso
May 18-July 24, 2020
NSF REU Award # 16591915
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in the social, behavioral and economic sciences and relevant professional fields such as public health. Applicants must be US citizens, US nationals or Legal Permanent Residents. Students who are selected must participate for the full ten weeks of the program. No exceptions.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 5.00 pm, February 28, 2020
Application Files must be submitted in one single PDF to: reuborder@nmsu.edu
Background
The NSF-REU Site Program on Immigration Policy and Border Communities is a unique opportunity to learn social science research methods while collaborating with local organizations to conduct in-depth research about the unique challenges faced by border communities in the Paso del Norte region of southern New Mexico, El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
The U.S. Mexico border is currently at the center of political controversy, one that has threatened to further disrupt border cities that were once closely integrated. Immigration is an important part of the Paso del Norte region and the increase in border enforcement has significant impacts not only on those passing through the border, but those who live here as well. This is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to learn social science research methods through hands-on collaboration with local organizations about border enforcement and its impacts on immigrants and border communities.
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation and is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree or a variety of career paths. By collaborating closely with organizations already involved in advocacy for civil and human rights, such as the hope Border Institute, the American Civil Liberties Union, Comunidades en Acción y de Fe (NM CAFe) and the Border Network for Human Rights, your work will have a greater impact. Sample topics include:
- Challenges facing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
- Protection of the civil liberties of migrants and border community members
- Asylum seekers in the borderlands: Access to due process and basic human rights
- “Know Your Rights” campaigns
- The history of community organizing and leadership development in the borderlands
- Public health issues facing migrants and residents of border communities
Successful applicants will participate in a ten-week program from May 18 to July 24, 2020. The first week will consist of online instruction. The rest of the program will take place in the El Paso/Las Cruces/Ciudad Juárez region during the period from May 26 to July 24, 2020. Students coming from outside the region are expected to arrive to El Paso on Tuesday, May 26, with our first face-to-face meetings scheduled for Wednesday, May 27. All student participants will receive a basic stipend of $5000, plus meals and gas expenses for local travel related to the program. In addition, students traveling from outside the region will receive $500 towards their travel expenses and accommodation in dorms at the campus of the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), the cost of which will be fully paid by this grant program.
For more information please contact Dr. Neil Harvey, (575) 646-3220, nharvey@nmsu.edu or Dr. Jeremy Slack, (915) 747-6530 jmslack@utep.edu
Requirements
At least sophomore standing in a social science discipline (Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Geography) or related field, GPA of at least 3.0, statement of interest indicating preparation and motivation for participating in this project, contact information only for three references who may be asked to write letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a student’s professor. If the program directors decide to request applicants’ references to submit letters of recommendation, we will ask them for their assessment of the student’s academic ability, motivation and reliability in completing assignments. We would also ask references to refer to any knowledge they have of how well students may have participated in community service projects. Spanish language skills are preferred but not required.
Due to federal regulations students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or Permanent Residents.
Students must be currently enrolled; recent graduates are not eligible. Students graduating before July 24, 2020 are not eligible to participate in this program. No exceptions.
Students must commit to participating in all ten weeks of the program. No exceptions.
International travel (for short, facult-led visits to migrant shelters in Ciudad Juárez) is required. Students must have valid passports.
Please send ALL of the following materials in one singe PDF file to reuborder@nmsu.edu by February 28th, 2020:
- Completed application form
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from your university or community college
- Letter of interest: tell us why you would like to participate in this REU program and the skills or experience that you have in the topic area
- Contact information for three references, including at least one of your professors (work address, phone and email)
Application Form and Process
Ready to apply? Click here: APPLICATION FORM REU 2020.